conference preview

NONBUILDING Knowing the differences between

STRUCTURES AND the two will enhance the design
NONSTRUCTURAL experience and outcome for both.
COMPONENTS
BY CHRIS KIMBALL, S.E., P.E.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING DESIGN typically falls one of two classifications: similar to buildings or not similar
under one of the following three categories: building structures, to buildings.
nonbuilding structures or nonstructural components. Nonbuilding structures meeting the first of these two clas-
While the majority of structural engineering encompasses sifications have structural systems that are designed and con-
building structures, most designers will also deal with non- structed similar to those for buildings in addition to having
building structures and nonstructural components throughout a similar dynamic response. Examples of nonbuilding struc-
their careers. And it’s important to recognize the differences tures that are similar to buildings include pipe racks, steel
between the latter two categories. storage racks, power generation facilities and towers for tanks
ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other or vessels. The design of these structures follows the require-
Structures defines a nonbuilding structure as a “self-supporting ments of Chapter 15 and applicable parts of Chapters 11, 12
structures that carry gravity loads that may be required to resist and 14 of ASCE 7.
the effects of earthquake.” Nonstructural components are defined Examples of nonbuilding structures that are not similar to
as architectural, mechanical, plumbing or electrical compo- buildings include earth-retaining structures, tanks and vessels,
nents “that are permanently attached to structures.” Oftentimes telecommunication towers, stacks and chimneys. The dynamic
a component may actually be categorized as either a nonbuild- response of these structures is different than that of buildings
ing structure or a nonstructural component (see Figure 1). and often requires specialty design guides and standards. Chap-
ter 15 of ASCE 7 provides direct references to many of these
Nonbuilding Structures standards (e.g., API 620, API 650, AWWA D100, etc.), but re-
In addition to knowing which elements are nonbuilding gardless of what is obtained from these standards, the design
structures and which are nonstructural components, it’s also loads shall not be less than what is provided in ASCE 7.
important to understand how both categories compare to When it comes to design loads for nonbuilding structures,
building structures. they must take into account the dead load of the structure in
While nonbuilding structures are similar to buildings in addition to the weight of the normal operating contents. While
terms of basic structural dynamics and ground motion hazards, the drift limitations of Chapter 12 do not apply, a rational anal-
they have different structural characteristics and performance ysis must be performed showing that structural stability and
objectives. In addition, the design of nonbuilding structures attached components are not adversely affected. The approxi-
often requires additional considerations such as fluid dynam- mate period provided in Chapter 12 of ASCE 7 cannot be used
ics and networked systems. Nonbuilding structures fall into for nonbuilding structures, therefore requiring the period to be
substantiated by means of analysis. In addition, the importance
factor used in the design of nonbuilding structures should be
Chris Kimball (chrisk@wc-3.com) the largest value obtained from applicable referenced standards,
is the Utah Regional Manager for such as Table 11.5-1 of ASCE 7 or as elsewhere specified in
West Coast Code Consultants, Inc. Chapter 15 of ASCE 7.
Nonbuilding structures that are supported by other struc-
tures must meet the requirements of Section 15.3 of ASCE 7.
In following this section, there are three possible outcomes:
1. If the nonbuilding structure weighs less than 25% of the
combined seismic weight of the nonbuilding structure and
the supporting structure, it should be considered a nonstruc-
tural component and designed in accordance with Chapter
13 of ASCE 7.

MARCH 2016
 courtesy of the International Code Council (Building Safety Journal, April-May, 2008)
Figure 1. Intersection of nonstructural components and nonbuilding structures.
➤

2. If the nonbuilding structure weighs 25% or more of the com- Nonstructural Components
bined seismic weight and has a period of less than 0.06 seconds: Nonstructural components consist of architectural, me-
➤ The nonbuilding structure is considered a “rigid” element chanical, plumbing and electrical components that are perma-
➤ Analysis shall use the R factor of the supporting structure nently attached to structures. There is often debate as to who
➤ It shall meet the design requirements of Chapter 13 of is responsible for the anchorage and restraint of nonstructural
ASCE 7 but use the response modification factor (Rp) components. Is it the structural engineer, architect, mechanical
obtained from Table 15.4-2 and an amplification factor engineer, etc.? Chapter 12 of FEMA 389 discusses how a uni-
(ap) of 1.0 fied approach can be used by the design team to ensure that a
3. If the nonbuilding structure weighs 25% or more of the com- scope of work is provided for each element thus clarifying who
bined seismic weight and has a period equal to or greater than in the design team is responsible for that item. FEMA 389 also
0.06 seconds: includes sample checklists to aide in this endeavor.
➤ The nonbuilding structure and the supporting structure Concerning forces and displacements, Chapter 13 of
must be modeled together ASCE 7 provides clear guidance on how to calculate the
➤ The nonbuilding structure shall use the lesser response seismic design force for each component. Separate response
modification factor (Rp) of the nonbuilding structure and modification and component amplification factors are pro-
the supporting structure vided in Table 13.5-1 for architectural components and in
➤ It shall meet the design requirements of Section 15.5 of Table 13.6-1 for mechanical, plumbing and electrical com-
ASCE 7 ponents. If the component has multiple connection points,
the design must also take into account displacement that can
occur within the structure or displacements that could occur
between separate structures.
When not exempt by Chapter 13 of ASCE 7, the construc-
tion documents must show the seismic restraint requirements
2016

NASCC
for nonstructural components and their supports and attach-
ments. They shall also note the special inspection requirements
for their installation per Section 13.2.7 of ASCE 7. In addition,
Section 1705.12.3 of the International Building Code (IBC) re-
• THE STEEL CONFERENCE • quires that the design professional list on the construction docu-
ments the certification requirements for designated seismic sys-
tems. Section 202 of the IBC defines designated seismic systems

 Modern STEEL CONSTRUCTION

 conference
preview
as “those nonstructural components… for which the component rooftop curb, the curb itself must also be properly anchored
importance factor is greater than 1”. Chapter 13 of ASCE 7 then to the supporting structure. Per Section 13.4.2 of ASCE 7,
clarifies that the following conditions would result in an impor- anchors in concrete are to comply with Appendix D of ACI
tance factor of greater than 1: 318, anchors in masonry are to meet TMS 402/ACI 530/
➤ The component is required to function for life-safety ASCE 5, post-installed anchors are to be prequalified for
purposes after an earthquake seismic applications and power-actuated fasteners resisting
➤ The component conveys, supports or otherwise contains sustained tension loads or friction clips are not allowed in
hazardous, highly toxic or explosive substances and can high-seismic regions.
pose a threat to the public A quick note on seismic design requirements: The current
➤ The component is in or attached to a Risk Category IV requirements for nonbuilding structures are found in Chapter
structure, and failure could impair the continued opera- 15 of ASCE 7 while the requirements for nonstructural com-
tion of the facility ponents are located in Chapter 13 of ASCE 7. For nonbuild-
In essence, designated seismic systems are those nonstruc- ing structures such as vehicular bridges, electrical transmission
tural components that are most likely to affect life-safety after towers, hydraulic structures, buried utility lines and their ap-
a seismic event. Section 1705.11.4 of the IBC also requires that purtenances, nuclear reactors and piers or wharves, the seismic
special inspection be provided for designated seismic systems. design requirements are not provided in ASCE 7 but rather in
When it comes to supports and anchorage, nonstruc- industry standards specific to the element type. ■
tural components shall be “bolted, welded or otherwise
positively fastened without consideration of frictional re- This article is a preview of Session N43 “Nonbuilding Structures and
sistance produced by the effects of gravity.” This anchorage Nonstructural Components” at NASCC: The Steel Conference, tak-
shall be provided for not only the component but also its ing place April 13–15 in Orlando. Learn more about the conference
support. A good example would be of a rooftop unit. While at www.aisc.org/nascc.
appropriate anchorage may be provided for the unit to the

MARCH 2016